Indicator



July 3, 1934.

l. cHEsLER 1,965,068

INDICATOR Filed Feb. 24, 1933 ATTO R N EYS Patented July 3, '1934 UNITED STATS PATENT GFFIC INDICATOR Ware Application February 24, 1933, Serial No. 658,290

18 Claims.

My present invention while particularly adapted as a bid indicator in the card game known as Bridge, and while primarily intended to be as sociated with a pencil or other writing implement used for score keeping, is in its broader aspects more generally applicable for other indicating purposes, either in association with or apart from a writing implement.

Among the objects of the invention are to prol() vide a device of the above type of attractive appearance, either apart from or associated with a pencil or other writing implement, which is readily set for its intended purpose and easily readable.

Another object is to provide a device of the above type which can be manufactured of few pieces produced from stock of standard gauge and can be readily and expeditiously assembled.

Another object is to provide a device of the above type which can be incorporated either as a unitary part of the pencil or in the removable protector thereof and which in either embodiment lends itself readily for carrying the rubber eraser in the usual position with respect to the pencil.

Another object is to provide a device of the above type which when associated with a round pencil prevents rolling thereof, and at the same time exposes to the view of all concerned, the particular indication for which the device has been set.

In the accompanying drawing in which are shown one or more of various possible embodiments of the several features of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an indicating device associated with a pencil; Fig. 2 is a View on a larger scale, taken in longitudinal cross section along line 2 2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view, taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View, taken on line 4--4 of Fig. 2;

1Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view, otherwise similar to Fig. 2, of a modified form;

Fig. 6 is a perspective View similar to Fig. 1 and showing only a fragment of a further modification; and

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view, taken in longitudinal section along line 7 7 of Fig. 6.

Referring now to Figs. l to 4 of the drawing,

there is shown a conventional lead pencil 10, over the end of which is removably mounted a protector 1l, the main length of which is of substantially conventional construction being longitudinally split at 12 to afford a resilient sleeve which may be alternatively telescoped either over (C1. Llill-458) the pointed or the blunt end of the pencil. The sleeve l1 is shown open at opposite ends and of uniform diameter from end to end, except for the inturned bead 13 which affords an abutment at the pencil end, the ornamental outturned beads 00 14 and the outturned bead 15 which affords a stop for the indicating mechanism telescoped over the outer end of sleeve 1l and now to be described.

The indicating device comprises a ferrule 20 friction-fitted over the extremity of the protector sleeve 1l. The outer half 21 of this ferrule is of somewhat reduced diameter and presents an inner shoulder 22 which abuts the extremity of the protector sleeve l1 and an outer shoulder 23 against which rests a collar 24 of Celluloid, or the 70 like, on which, for bridge scoring use, the four suit designations and the no-trump designation are affixed in equi-distant relation, the diamond suit being shown exposed in Fig. 1. The lower edge of the collar 24 abuts the shoulder 23 and 75 the outer surface of said collar comes substantially flush with the inner half 20 of the ferrule. The ferrule 20 also preferably has an outturned bead 26 substantially midway of the length thereof, against which abuts the upper edge of an indicating metal sleeve 28 which bears the trick designations from 1 to l disposed in equi-distant relation thereon, as indicated at 29 in Fig. 1. The sleeve 28 is thus held against longitudinal displacement between the bead 15 on the protec- 85 tor sleeve and. the bead 26 on the ferrule.

Telescoped over the outer half 21 of the ferrule is a second metal sleeve 30, the inner edge of which abuts bead 26, said sleeve being provided with a window opening 31 to expose any one se- 90 lected suit or the no-trump designation on collar 24. The outer end of sleeve 30 presents an outturned bead 32 the upper rim of which affords a bearing as at 33 upon the small or reduced portion 21 of the ferrule. sleeve 30 rests upon the ferrule at 34 immediately above bead 26 and below shoulder 23. The ferrule is turned outward at its upper rim, as at 40, to prevent longitudinal displacement of the sleeve 30. The arrangement shown affords a socket 41 for the usual eraser 42 fitting into the upper part of the ferrule.

Preferably, the bead 32 and a corresponding bead 35 at the lower end of the sleeve 28 are of regular heptagonal form, as shown in Fig. l, the apices of the bead 35 registering with the respective numerals 29 on the sleeve 28. The window opening 31 registers with one of the apices of bead 32. The heptagonal conformation is thus not only ornamental but for each setting of the The lower end of the 95 indicator, when the pencil is laid on the table with the window portion 31 exposed, so that all players may at a. glance see the current bid, the pencil will rest on a flat of each of the beads and will thus not roll.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5 there is no ferrule distinct from the protector unit 11, which is conformed of slightly larger diameter at than is the main length of the protector and slightly reduced therebeyond at its outer part as at 46, affording the shoulder 47 for the collar 48 (corresponding to collar 24 in Fig. 1). In this embodiment the two sleeves 49 and 50, which bear directly on the parts 45 and 46 respectively of the protector sleeve are shown in abutting relation as at 51 without the intervening bead 26 shown in Fig. 1. The bead 52 at the lower edge of sleeve 49 abuts the outturned bead 53 on the protector and the bead 54 of the upper sleeve 50 bears on the extremity of the protector, the extreme edge of which is turned outward as at 55 to retain the parts in assembled relation, as in the embodiment of Figs. l and 2.

While in both the embodiments of Figs. l to 4 and in that of Fig. 5, the indicator is incorporated as part of a removable protector, it will be understood that it might be incorporated with a structure similar to the usual eraser ferrule irremovably affixed on the end of a wooden pencil.

In the embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7, the indicator includes a ferrule 60, which is affixed frictionally to the end of the pencil or lead holder 6l, as at 62, and if desired, also by indentations, as

' at 63. Ferrule 60 is of reduced diameter, as at 64 beyond the pencil to accommodate the collar of Celluloid, or the like, bearing the suit designations, the outer face of which colla-r preferably comes substantially flush with the outer face of the ferrule.

The trick indicator in this embodiment comprises a sleeve 66 bearing on the ferrule 60, and the suit indicator sleeve 67 has a window 68 exposing the designations on the collar 65 and in this instance iliustratively abuts the sleeve 66. As in the other embodiments the outer extremity of the ferrule 60 is turned outward, as at 69, to maintain the parts assembled.

The major portion of the length of sleeve 66 is shown of heptagonal stock, as at 70, exposing the number of the tricks on the respective faces thereof, as clearly shown in Fig. 6.

In use of each of the embodiments, it is obvious that the suit sleeve is turned to expose the desired designation through the window, and the trick sleeve to bring the desired number into registry with the window and its exposed suit.

Obviously the tricks could be exposed through the window and the suit on the sleeve, and various other modifications within the scope of the claims could be adapted.

It will thus be seen that there is herein described apparatus in which the several features of this invention are embodied, and which apparatus in its action attains the various objects of the invention and is well suited to meet the requirements of practical use.

As many changes could be made in the above construction, and many apparently widely dif- -ferent embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in B. limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. An indicating head suitable for capping a writing instrument, comprising a mounting ferrule and a pair of independently rotatable sleeves telescoped thereover and in side by side relation, one of said sleeves having indicia covered by the other sleeve, said latter sleeve having a window selectively to disclose said indicia and means substantially to prevent longitudinal movement of said sleeves.

2. A writing implement having a metal ferrule thereon, a sleeve mounted on said ferrule, a stop limiting endwise movement o said sleeve, a second sleeve on said ferrule and adjacent said nrst sleeve, the outer end of said ferrule having integral means thereon to prevent endwise movement of said second sleeve, said sleeves being rotatably adjustable independently of each other indicia on one of said sleeves, a window on the other, and indicia selectively disposed through said window.

3. As an article of manufacture, an indicator suitable for capping a writing implement, said indicator comprising a ferrule member presenting a peripheral shoulder, a sleeve abutting at one end against said shoulder and having a bearing mount upon said ferrule member, a second sleeve adjacent said first sleeve and also bearing on said ferrule member and rotatable thereabout, the outer end or" said ferrule member being turned outwardly to retain the parts in assembled relation indicia on one of said sleeves, a window on the other, and indicia selectively disposed through said window.

4. An indicator suitable for capping a writing implement, said indicator comprising a ferrule member having indicia thereon at one part of the length thereof, a sleeve bearing on said ferrule beyond the region of said indicia, a second sleeve bearing on the ferrule and having a window aperture through which any selected one of lthe indicia may be exposed, and means on said ferrule immediately beyond the extremities of said sleeves to maintain the latter in assembled relation upon the ferrule and substantially free from longitudinal displacement.

5. An indicating unit suitable for capping a writing implement, comprising a ferrule including a collar of shorter length encircling said ferrule and having indicia thereon, a pair of independently rotatable sleeves superposed in side by side relation over said ferrule, one of said sleeves having a Window therein to expose any of the indicia g of said collar, the other sleeve bearing indicia on its surface, said ferrule having means rigid therewith immediately beyond the outer ends of the respective sleeves to maintain the latter from longitudinal displacement along the ferrule.

6. A combined writing and indicating implement comprising a ferrule protruding beyond the writing implement and presenting a peripheral shoulder near its inner end, a sleeve encircling .LOI

said ferrule and abutting said shoulder, a second 1.1;

sleeve contiguous to said first sleeve and sinrounding the outer part of said ferrule, the outer end of said ferrule being turned outwardly to maintain said latter sleeve against longitudinal movement, said sleeves being independently rotatr able about said ferrule, one of said sleeves having a window opening and a series of indicia affixed to the ferrule and selectively exposed through said window opening.

7. An indicating unit suitable for capping a writing instrument, said unit including a ferrule, a collar encircling said ferrule and bearing indicia, and extending flush with the surface of said forrule at one end thereof, the diameter of said ferrule being reduced by the thickness of said collar beyond the opposite end of said collar, a sleeve encircling said ferrule and said collar, said sleeve bearing on the ferrule at one end thereof and presenting a bead affording an inturned bearing surface at the other end thereof in bearing relation with the reduced end of said ferrule, and means to retain said sleeve against substantial longitudinal movement relative to said ferrule, said sleeve presenting a window aperture to i expose any selected one of the indicia on the collar.

8. An indicating unit suitable for capping a writing instrument, said unit including a ferrule, a collar encircling said ferrule and having bearing indicia thereon, and extending iiush with the surface of said ferrule at one end thereof, the thickness of said collar protruding from said ferrule at the opposite end thereof, a sleeve encircling said ferrule and said collar, said sleeve bearing on the ferrule at one end thereof and presenting a bead affording an inturned bearing surface at the other end thereof in bearing relation to the reduced end of said ferrule and means to retain said sleeve against substantial longitudinal movement relative to said ferrule, said sleeve resenting a window aperture to expose any selected one of the indicia on the collar, an additional sleeve encircling said ferrule adjacent said first sleeve, said ferrule presenting stop means to prevent longitudinal displacement of said sleeves and said second sleeve presenting indications complementary with those on the collar.

9. An indicating unit suitable for capping a writing implement comprising a ferrule of reduced interior and exterior diameter at its outer half and presenting an inner and an outer shoulder substantially midway of the length thereof, a mount over which the larger end of said ferrule is rigidly telescoped and affording an abutment for said inner shoulder, an indicating collar about said ferrule abutting against said outer shoulder, an indicating sleeve about the larger end of said ferrule, a second sleeve of substantially the same diameter, about said collar, said second sleeve having a bearing mount at one end thereof about said external shoulder and presenting a bead at the other end thereof, bearing on the reduced extremity of said ferrule, and means to retain said sleeves against substantial longitudinal movement, there being one set of indicators at the exterior of said rst sleeve and a window at said second sleeve, selectively exposing any of the indicia on said collar.

10. An indicating unit suitable for capping a writing implement, comprising a ferrule having an outturned peripheral bead substantially at the middle thereof, the part of said ferrule beyond said bead defining a shoulder and being of reduced exterior diameter therebeyond, a collar encircling said reduced ferrule portion and resting at one end against said shoulder and bearing indicia, a sleeve bearing on said ferrule and terminating near said bead, a second sleeve having a window aperture, encircling said collar and abutting against said bead, the opposite end of said latter sleeve having a bead turned inward and bearing on the reduced part of said ferrule, and stop means on said ferrule immediately beyond the extremities of said respective sleeves to retain the latter in position upon the ferrule.

1l. The combination set forth in claim 10, in which the ferrule presents an inner shoulder contiguous to the bead thereon, a holding cylinder over which the larger part of the ferrule has a friction telescopic t, the end of said cylinder constituting an abutment for said shoulder and in which said holding cylinder presents an abutment for the sleeve on the lower end of the ferrule.

12. An indicating head suitable for capping a bridge pencil comprising a ferrule having a pair of sleeves in substantially end to end relation, bearing thereon and rotatable thereabout, one of said sleeves having the numerals 1 to 7 at the exterior thereof and in equi-distant relation, the other of said sleeves having a window opening and the four suit and no trump designations selectively exposed by adjustment of said sleeve, each of said sleeves having a heptagonal collar with its sides corresponding to the numerals, and stop means on said ferrule to retain said sleeves against substantial longitudinal displacement.

13. An indicating attachment comprising a ferrule adapted to be aixed directly over a pencil, said ferrule reduced in diameter at its upper half, a collar encircling the reduced part of the ferrule and bearing indicia, a pair of sleeves in end to end contact, encircling said ferrule and bearing thereon for independent rotatable displacement thereof, the upper of said sleeves having a window through which any of said indicia may be exposed, said ferrule presenting enlargements near the extremities thereof serving as abutments for the sleeves to prevent longitudinal displacement of the latter.

14. An indicating attachment adapted for capping a writing implement comprising a mounting ferrule, an indicating sleeve encircling the same and rotatable thereabout, said sleeve having a part of the length thereof of regular polygonal stock with indications on each side thereof, a second sleeve about said ferrule indicia covered by said second sleeve, a window in said second sleeve selectively to display said indicia, and means for retaining said two sleeves against substantial longitudinal displacement with respect to said ferrule.

15. As an article of manufacture, a metal protector for the point of a pencil, said protector having an indicator associated therewith, said indicator comprising a pair of sleeves in juxtaposed relation coaxial with said protector and adapted to be rotated thereabout independently of each other, to aiford two complementary desig nations, said protector having an outturned bead serving as an abutment for the innermost sleeve, said protector having rigid therewith an outturned ange serving as an abutment for the outer of the sleeves, the end of said protector having a socket for an eraser.

15. A pencil suitable for keeping bridge scores and including a lead holder having rigidly telescoped over the end thereof, a ferrule protruding therebeyond and of diameter smaller than that of said pencil, a metal sleeve on said ferrule and abutting the exposed part of said pencil, a collar bearing indicia and resting in a correspondingly reduced portion of said ferrule, beyond said sleeve, a second sleeve presenting a window to expose any of the indicia on said collar and abutting said iirst sleeve, the extremity of said ferrule turned outwardly to retain said sleeves in position, said first sleeve having a substantial part of the length thereof of regular heptagonal stock, the sides bearing respectively the numerals 1 to 7, said collar having aiiixed 15()l 18. An indicating head for bridge scoring pur-f poses and suitable for capping a pencil, said head having a sleeve With a Window for suit designation, and a sleeve for trick designation, each said sleeve having a heptagonal bead, the apices of one of said beads aligned with the respective trick designations, and an apex of the other sleeve aligned with the window thereof.

ISIDOR CHESLER. 

